You may not realize this, but 2004 is a special year for the Lake Lanier Parrot Head Club. May 1st will mark the tenth anniversary of the club. (Actually, the first gathering was in March 1994, but we didn’t really get going until May. MAYDAY seemed to be an appropriate date for birthday).

It was probably good that we didn’t have a clue what the future held, but now after collecting thousands of dollars and tons of food and supplies for some of our favorite charities, we can say it’s been well worth the effort. And, we’ve had a hell of a good time in the process.

When compared to the friends we’ve made, the parties we’ve held, and the places we’ve been, the difficulties disappear. Here are a few highlights from the past TEN YEARS.

1994- First newsletter appears. Buffett releases Fruitcakes, which could be bought at Turtles, Onyx Records, Soundshop and Starship Records. Sabrina holds the first Barn Party. Bart and Sandy decorate their yard for Walk America, and the decorating committee parties most of the night. The 3rd Annual Meeting of the Minds is held in New Orleans, with a few LLPHC members attending. Christmas party at Peeches celebrates the 12 days of Parrothead Christmas.

1995-Happy Sharks arrive. The Second Barn Party is even wilder. Parrotheads look forward to Barometer Soup’s release. Club members spend a day on the lake. LLPHC buys a brick at Centennial Olympic Park. A1A’s Jeff Pike appears onstage with Buffett, Carl Hiassen releases Stormy Weather Fourth Annual MOTM in New Orleans, with Captain Tony making an appearance. Thom Noble and Jennifer Bartsch produce the LLPHC handbook. Christmas party at Henry O’s

1997-Jimmy says production is about to start on a movie version of Where is Joe Merchant? Stone Mountain Laser show includes Fins. Party at Third Coast Grill. Jimmy comes to Lakewood on a Saturday and Sunday. Parrot Head clubs across the country, including LLPHC, contribute T-shirts that are made into a quilt and given to JB. He says thanks. Brogdon’s low country boil features ‘Lock the stranger in the PortaPotty”. Universal buys rights to Where is Joe Merchant Don’t Stop the Carnival, the musical, opens in Miami,

1998-First installment of ‘the story’. Peter Mayer is the first artist to appear at Atlanta’s Hard Rock Café. LLPHC collects pillows for flood victims. Yancey’s host pre-concert party with St. Somewhere, with cops coming to shut it down. Margaritaville New Orleans opens. MargaReadaVille book collection

1999-Humane Society breaks ground for new building. Meeting of the Minds in Key West. Jimmy shows up at Mac McAnally’s show at the Variety Playhouse. Beach House on the Moon tour. Christmas at Sandy and Bart’s.

2001-Far Side of the World tour at Philips Arena, but album delayed until March ‘02, Mac again at Variety. Atlanta PHC hosts Sunny Jim, Peter Mayer and others at the Fox Theater. 7th annual LLPHC party, at Sunrise Cove. JB shows up at MOTM.

2002-FSOTW is released, with a redesigned cover (first one featured Jimmy on a camel). JB returns to Lakewood. JB shows up at MOTM.

2003-JB appears at Philips AND Lakewood. JD and Peets Buffett pass away. Five O’clock Somewhere is a hit, to the dismay of Buffett traditionalists. Newsletter editor runs away.